Little Bluestem Grass

About this plant

Little Bluestem Grass 'Chameleon' is a vibrant cultivar of North American native bluestem, celebrated for its ever-changing foliage. Throughout the growing season, its fine-textured leaves transition from green and blue-green hues in spring to a stunning blend of purple, red, orange, and gold in the fall, providing season-long interest and a breathtaking autumn spectacle. This ornamental grass forms an elegant, upright clump that provides excellent vertical interest without becoming overly aggressive. Its airy seed heads emerge in late summer, adding a delicate, feathery texture and providing an attractive food source for birds, ensuring continued beauty even into winter. 'Chameleon' is an exceptionally versatile and low-maintenance choice, thriving in a variety of conditions and offering great resistance to deer and drought once established. It's an ideal plant for naturalized areas, native gardens, borders, and mass plantings, effortlessly integrating into diverse landscape designs.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Little Bluestem 'Chameleon' thrives with minimal care once established. Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. No significant pest or disease issues are common.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.